Racing: Kenney confident despite heavy weight

Young trainer Paige Kenney will pin her hopes of winning the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint in Mt Barker on Sunday on rejuvenated sprinter Westriver Kevydonn.

Despite carrying 60kg, Kenney is confident her gelding can produce the same form that won him the Group 3 R.J Peters Stakes last December.

“He is carrying 60kg but we didn’t expect him to carry any less than that … he is a lot higher in the ratings than the others,” Kenney said.

“That weight is still not ideal but he is a big, strong horse and I am hoping it is not going to worry him too much.”

Westriver Kevydonn’s form has been hard to fault this campaign.

He won three on the trot at Ascot late last year before a fast-finishing third behind Luckygray in the Group 1 Carlton Draught-Railway Stakes at his last start.

Kenney said she could not be happier with the horse’s preparation leading into Sunday’s race and she is confident he can get to the front early.

“Mt Barker is a frontrunner’s track and I am hoping he is up on the speed,” she said.

“He has had three weeks off since the Railway Stakes and I am really happy with the horse’s work.”

Kenney’s only concern is the gelding could struggle to come from behind if he gets back in the field.

“Some of the others will get a chance to beat him with the weight … but I am quietly confident,” she said.

Albany trainer Paul Hunter will be looking to win his second Mungrup Stud Sprint with Collayshell.

The mare will be ridden by Daniel Staeck, who was aboard the five-year-old for his last win in Albany.

Collayshell has disappointed at Mt Barker twice this season and must improve this time around.

Mungrup Stud Sprint 2008 winner Noble Steed will start for local trainer Dixie Solly.

He will be rated a good chance given a 8kg drop from a last-start eighth in Mt Barker.

The feature race will start at 5.35pm headlining a nine race card at Frost Park.